The Record Breaking Speedo LZR Racer Swimsuit (and Copycats)

Speedo's LZR Racer Swimsuit is already invoked controversy, with critics believing that the swimsuit is, "Too slippery when wet." In fact, officials at the International Swimming Federation (FINA) have already contemplated banning the suit.

However, FINA made the decision to allow the LZR Racer under the condition that other swimsuit makers were allowed to copy the design without risk or challenge of infringing Speedo patents.

With the Beijing Olympics just around the corner, it should come as no surprise that rival manufactures are responding with copycat swimsuits. One company, Arena International, has launched their 'very similar' swimsuit. Gizmodo is calling it a 'swimsuit arms race'.

How much does the suit really make a difference? Put it this way: since the LZR Racer was launched, 33 world records have fallen. The Australian notes that swimmers are calling the suit, "Doping on a hanger."